Denver Summit secured a narrow 2-1 victory over OL Reign in the NWSL Group Stage at Centennial Stadium on Sunday. The hosts took the lead before the interval through Delanie Sheehan, who finished inside the 44th minute. Natasha Flint doubled Summit's advantage shortly after the break, but Brittany Ratcliffe pulled one back for the visitors in the 55th minute. And here's the thing — Summit held on despite a late surge from Reign.
Sheehan's goal came from sustained pressure, Summit completing 100 attacks compared to Reign's 84. The visitors struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, registering zero big chances throughout the match. To be fair, Reign's goalkeeper Claudia Dickie made eight saves to keep her side in contention. Summit's striker found space in the box, beating the offside trap to slot home.
Flint's second-minute strike after the restart seemed to seal the result. Summit pressed high, winning 10 clearances and forcing six tackles from the visitors. Ratcliffe's response in the 55th minute changed the complexion of the game. By then, Reign had thrown bodies forward, but Summit's defence held firm with three blocked shots.
Both managers made changes to shift momentum. Summit brought on Mia Fishel and Nérilia Mondesir together in the 54th minute, while Reign responded with Sally Marie Menti for Ryanne Brown in the 79th. The visitors picked up three yellow cards — Huerta, Menti and McClernon — compared to Summit's single booking from Abby Smith.
Summit dominated possession at 54 per cent and registered 10 shots on target, though only two found the net. Shots accuracy sat at 63 per cent, but they converted their chances when it mattered. Reign managed just four shots on target and created nothing of note in the final third, completing only 34 passes into the attacking zone.
The result leaves Summit in 10th place on 35 points after 25 games, with nine wins and eight draws. Reign move to eighth on 37 points, their record unchanged since the defeat. Both sides have played 25 matches, and the gap between them narrows to just two points in the table.